Glenn, I think there is indeed a relationship between the city's abrupt turnover of the property in Susquehanna and what is going on in our neighborhood. Even more apropos than Clark Park's immediate fate is, in my opinion, the disposition of the property at 43rd and Baltimore, once belonging to the city (i.e., to us, the taxpayers) and now in the hands of a private developer. This developer's first action was to tear down a house that, arguably, was qualified for historic certification and protection from demolition and that inarguably contributed to the unique character of our neighborhood's streetscape. The neighborhood remains in the dark about what his plans are for this important corner.
In fact,the disposition of the Baltimore Avenue property might provide a case study in the unseemly involvement of our politicians and city administrators in real estate deals that, at a minimum, do not pass the smell test and are certainly at odds with the needs and desires of the community. Over a decade ago, the city transferred this large lot and set of buildings to the non-profit Women Against Abuse, which turned it into a shelter for abused women and children. (I believe there was also a community garden on the property). About two years ago, the non-profit sold the property to Thylen Associates of New York for a sum in excess of $3 million. What did the taxpayer get back? Nuthin! What did Women Against Abuse do with the money? They used it to construct a new women's shelter. Did they spend their tax-payer donated windfall wisely, you might ask? Well, all I know is that, shortly after, a front page story appeared in the Philadelphia Weekly lamenting the fact that the agency was suffering such severe fiscal difficulties that it had to cease providing its clients any aid beyond the bare minimum of a roof and food. All job counseling and psychological services previously provided to these needy women and children were suspended. A visit to the organization's web site at the time (last year) showed its administrators grinning in a photo with Joe Campenella, convicted felon, contractor for 43rd and Baltimore and FOJB (friend of Jannie Blackwell). Yes, this is the same Campenella who wanted to turn the property across from West Catholic into a homeless shelter a few years back. At that time, Ms. Blackwell introduced a bill in City Council to circumvent city laws, permitting a long-term, high-rent sweetheart of a deal for Mr. Campenella. Publicity in the Inquirerer and neighborhood opposition helped kill that project. But, Mr. Campenella clearly has his eye on our neighborhood, and he is nothing if not persistent! God (and maybe Jannie) only know what he and his associates have in mind for this prime property overlooking Clark Park! So, there is certainly a pattern here, I believe, of (some corrupt, some possibly well-intended) developers, politicians and non-profits engaging in a particular type of real estate shenanigan. Politicians and their associates help developers get ahold of city-owned property and make money off of it, (hold your nose here!) while using the cover of providing needed social services. All to the detriment of Philadelphia taxpayers and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Inquirer shone a light on the homeless shelter proposal and helped stop that. It is now questioning the involvement of city administrators and their spouses in the Susquehanna elderly housing proposal. Maybe they'll step in, if the time comes, and help us stop any inappropriate development at 43rd and Baltimore. Mary -----Original Message----- From: Glenn <glen...@earthlink.net> To: UnivCity@list.purple.com <UnivCity@list.purple.com> Sent: Fri, Apr 16, 2010 3:36 pm Subject: [UC] Another neighborhood screwed, Daily News Support the people of the Susquehanna neighborhood! This is what isplanned for parks, schools, rec centers and all other public spaces. Letter in the Daily News (link below): "IF ANY resident of the Susquehanna neighborhood had been asked if thebasketball courts at the Duckrey School at 15th and Susquehanna areused and needed, the answer would be yes! Because there was no community input, the School Reform Commissiondeems this land to be "unused and unnecessary." As adults claim to be concerned about "flash mobs," and to beconcerned about children being obese, a basketball court is conveyedfor development without notification. Our politicians, in a deal that lacks transparency, have started aprocess for development without the community's knowledge. Community participation is owed to any community. With all thevacant land available in the 5th Council District, it was trulyunnecessary to take this away from our youth! Especially to give awayfor $1 with the city's budget problems. We will work to stop this unauthorized land deal! Judith Robinson, Philadelphia" http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20100416_Letters__Residents_had_no_input_on_land_giveaway.html?posted=y&viewAll=y#comments
